“It is. But it’s getting late and we’re meeting the others at nine forty-five. We all leave for Santa Rosa at ten.”

She drew back, staring at him warily. “What others? Who is ‘all’?”

He rolled his eyes. “Everybody. Or just about. André told me that we’d better take Farrah with us today, because she was an utter mess yesterday, worrying about you while they were driving up to Snowbush. And if she goes, he goes.”

“All right. Who else is everybody?”

“The usual,” he said lightly. “Agents Schumacher and Hunter are our bodyguards and Tom’s bringing a plus-one.”

Her brows went up. “A plus-one?”

“His friend who works in a nursing home similar to the one we’re visiting today. She works with veterans at the moment, specifically senior vets with dementia. Since Ephraim’s mother also has dementia, Tom thought Liza would be a good resource. And then Gideon and Daisy are coming, too.”

“Wow. But I guess it could be worse. Molina could be coming.”

“She wanted to,” Rafe said, “but she’s got meetings at the field office that she can’t avoid.”

“Darn,” Mercy deadpanned. “Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dislike her, but she makes me nervous.”

“Me too,” Rafe admitted. “Now drink your coffee before it gets cold, then take your shower. I’ve already taken mine and we need to get dressed before folks come knocking on the door. André texted and said that Farrah’s making breakfast and bringing it down.” He kissed her lightly before moving off the bed, but paused to take a last look. “You look really good in my bed, Mercy Callahan.”

Her dimples appeared, even as she blushed. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

It was his turn to deadpan. “Wow, the compliments will go to my head.”

“I’ll spend today thinking of better ones,” she promised. “Oh hey. I got sidetracked with that e-mail from Daisy and forgot to ask about Erin. How is she?”

Rafe took a clean shirt from his closet and shrugged into it. “Awake and cranky, according to Sasha. Mom sat with Erin last night so that Sasha didn’t have to and could sleep, but Mom’s coming home today. Erin’s mother got there sometime during the night and can stay today. Then Sasha will stay with Erin until she’s released, at least a few more days.”

Mercy hesitated. “And no new news on Ephraim’s whereabouts?”

Not wanting to answer that question, Rafe picked two ties from the rack and held them up. “Blue or brown?”

“The blue one. Rafe, don’t keep things from me. Please.”

His fingers stilled on the blue tie and he lifted his gaze. “Hunter messaged me. He figured you’d want to hear this in private, versus in a crowded car, but . . .” He hadn’t wanted to tell her. He still didn’t. But she was waiting, expression now one of dread. “Ephraim killed two more people last night. A young couple in a camper.” He had to force himself to tell her the rest of it. “They were on their honeymoon. He left their bodies at their campsite in the truck he stole when he ran from Snowbush. They were discovered an hour ago by the campground owner.”